Originally Posted by Charlee

Sue, I don't bother with "treadle belts"...(You can find them on ebay, btw, for about $8)
I use a leather bootlace trimmed down to size. Use an awl to pierce small holes in each end and a small paperclip bent to shape with pliers works as the "clamp".

You can use anything, really...I've heard of ladies that use old pantyhose!